Electrified bird repellent track

ABSTRACT

An animal deterring device has a carrier with first and second conductive traces that are separated by an arc suppressor. Most typically, the arc suppressor is configured to eliminate short circuiting of the device when exposed to fog, dew, rain, or animal excrements while at the same time to allow an animal to contact both conductive traces at the same time.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention is animal deterrents, and especially as theyrelate to bird deterrents.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are numerous animal deterring devices known in the art, and manyof those use electric current to deter, and in some case even kill birdsand other relatively small animals. For example, where a relativelylarge structure is to be protected, a blanket can be configured toinclude a plurality of vertically arranged and spaced apart electrodesas described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,925,748. While such devices may protecta relatively large area, numerous disadvantages remain. Among otherthings, pooling of water must be avoided at all times to allow forcontinuous operation. Moreover, as such devices are typically flexible,inadvertent short circuiting may occur by folding or bending a portionof the blanket.

Other known electrified devices include those described in U.S. Pat. No.4,015,176 and EP 1 314 355 in which a string-shaped carrier includesconductive traces embedded or attached to the carrier. Similarly,string-shaped structures may be formed from braided wire that furtherincludes insulator disks as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,031,353. Whilesuch devices are generally simple to manufacture and operate, variousdifficulties remain. Among other problems, such devices often fail tooperate properly when moisture or rain runs along the wire, or wheredroppings are deposited on the wire. Similar disadvantages are observedin devices that have a rail with partially embedded conductive tracesfrom which raised conductive tabs protrude as shown in U.S. Pat. No.6,006,698, or in devices having a rail with two elevated conductivetraces as described in U.S. Pat. App. No. 20050132635. Such devices areparticularly sensitive to puddling or fecal contamination.

In still further known electrified deterring devices, conductive tracesare mounted to an elevated carrier portion that includes spaces to allowfor drainage and flexible installation as shown in U.S. Pat. Nos.6,283,064 and 6,928,768. While such devices are often more reliable thanknown devices when exposed to moisture or droppings, other disadvantagesarise. For example, due to the raised position of the wires,installation is frequently esthetically less pleasing than relativelyflat rail-type structures. Moreover, positioning of the wires is at afixed distance and in a manner that will allow at least some birds toperch in a position in which the bird will not receive the electricalimpulse or current.

Therefore, while there are numerous devices and methods for deterringanimals, and especially birds are known in the art, all or almost all ofthem suffer from various disadvantages. Thus, there is still a need fornew configurations and methods for bird deterrents.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to configurations and methods foranimal deterring devices in which at least two electrically conductivetraces are mounted on a carrier and in which the two traces areseparated by an arc suppressor.

In one aspect of the inventive subject matter, an animal deterringdevice has a carrier with a first conductive trace that is separatedfrom a second conductive trace by an arc suppressor that has at leastone of (a) an umbrelloid shape, and (b) a configuration effective toincrease creep distance between the first and second conductive tracesby at least 1.5 times. Most preferably, the arc suppressor has anumbrelloid shape (e.g., T-shape, stemmed inverted U-shape, stemmedinverted V-shape, etc.) that is continuous along the length of thecarrier. Alternatively, or additionally, the arc suppressor increasescreep distance at least 1.7 times, and more preferably at least 2.0times.

Moreover, it is generally preferred that the arc suppressor has a heightto width ratio between 1:4 and 1:1, and/or that the device has a heightto width ratio between 1:5 and 1:2. It is further generally preferredthat the arc suppressor is continuous along the length of the carrier,and that at least one of the first and second conductive traces arecontinuous along the length of the carrier. Where desired, at least partof the carrier and/or at least part of the arc suppressor is angled,wherein the angle is selected such that when the device is installed ona horizontal surface water runs off the angled part. Most typically, thefirst and second conductive traces are spaced apart at a distance thatallows formation of an electric circuit via a foot of a bird (e.g.,adult pigeon or adult seagull).

In another aspect of the inventive subject matter, an animal deterringdevice comprises a stripe-shaped carrier having a first conductive tracethat is separated from a second conductive trace by an umbrelloid arcsuppressor, wherein the device has a height to width ratio between 1:5and 1:2. It is generally preferred that the carrier in such devices isfabricated from a flexible material, and/or that the carrier has one ormore cutouts that are configured to allow bending of the device (e.g.,to accommodate horizontal and/or vertical curvature). As above,exemplary umbrelloid arc suppressors may have a T-shape, a stemmedinverted U-shape, or a stemmed inverted V-shape

Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription of preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of one exemplary device according to theinventive subject matter.

FIG. 1B is a vertical cross sectional view of the exemplary device ofFIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of another exemplary device according tothe inventive subject matter.

FIG. 2B is a vertical cross sectional view of the exemplary device ofFIG. 2A.

FIGS. 3A to 3D are exemplary alternative shapes for contemplatedumbrelloid arc suppressors.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The inventor has discovered that animal deterring devices can bemanufactured in which at least two electrically conductive traces aremounted on a carrier and in which the two traces are separated by an arcsuppressor. Most typically, the arc suppressor in contemplated deviceswill have an umbrelloid shape and/or a configuration effective toincrease creep distance between the first and second conductive tracesby at least 1.5 times.

One exemplary embodiment is depicted in FIG. 1A in which the device 100Ahas a rail shape. Here, carrier 102A is typically manufactured from athermoplastic elastomer or rubber-containing compound to which theconductive traces 120A and 122 A are coupled (e.g., glued, stapled,sewn, etc.). The traces 120A and 122A are separated by the arcsuppressor 110A that has an umbrelloid shape (here: T-shape). The tracesmay be coupled to the carrier on a horizontal or angled (104A) surfaceas shown in FIG. 1A. The carrier may further include one or more cutouts106A (shown in dashed lines), which are most preferably configured suchthat the device can be bent sideways while resting on a horizontalsurface without warping of the carrier. It should be noted that theshape of the arc suppressor will generate a space 112A that is protectedfrom contact with conductive material falling vertically (and even fromfalling at an angle of up to 45 degrees, and more) onto the device.Still further, it should be noted that the shape of the arc suppressorwill also provide for a vertical clearance (i.e., empty space betweenthe shortest vertical distance between at least one of the conductivetraces and the top surface of the device or the arc suppressor) that iseffective in disrupting a conductive film, flow, and/or layer betweenthe traces.

Typically, the carrier 102B will have a strip or otherwise elongatedconfiguration, and is most preferably relatively flat such that thedevice can be bent, or even provided in a rolled-up configuration. FIG.1B depicts a vertical cross section of the device in which the carrier102B has an angled section 104B and a horizontal section onto which theconductive traces 120B and 122B are mounted. Between the traces is thearc suppressor 110B. An exemplary alternative shape is depicted in FIG.2A, which is also depicted in the vertical cross section of FIG. 2B.With respect to FIGS. 2A and 2B, it should be noted that the sameconsiderations apply for like numerals and like components as describedfor FIGS. 1A and 1B. As can be seen from FIG. 2B, the arc suppressor mayhave a relatively thick stem and angled surfaces from which a fluid canrun off. To assist further drainage, surface 205B on which theconductive trace is mounted may also be angled.

Moreover, in further especially preferred aspects, the device mayinclude an edge 206B (or several edges where appropriate) that willinsulate the carrier from runoff water. Therefore, the edge 206B willact as a second arc suppressing element, which is particularlyadvantageous where the device is mounted on a metal surface. Thus, itshould be recognized that contemplated devices may not only have an arcsuppressor that separates the first and second conductive traces, butmay also have an (second) arc suppressor that separates at least one ofthe conductive traces from the material upon which the device is mounted(e.g., metal roof). With respect to the shape of contemplated second arcsuppressors it should be recognized that the second suppressor will havea downward facing surface that forms in combination with another surfacean edge or other protruding shape from which water, condensation, orother liquid will run off (see FIG. 2B). A metal wire of otherdeformable material 201B may be included to maintain a particular shapewhere the carrier is intentionally deformed.

It should still be especially appreciated that the shape of the arcsuppressor will elongate the creep distance between the conductivetraces at least 1.5 times, thereby preventing all or almost allcircumstances where moisture, dew, or rain may cause short-circuiting.As used herein, the term “creep distance” refers to a distance that ismeasured between two points on a body when following the shortest pathbetween those points along the surface of that body. As also usedherein, the term “umbrelloid shape” refers to any shape of an elementthat is coupled to the device where that element has a downward facingsurface portion when the device is installed on a horizontal surface.Most typically, the downward facing portion is contiguous with an upwardfacing portion, and the element will therefore have a sharp angled orrounded edge from which water or other fluids can drip off. Viewed froma different perspective, elements with umbrelloid shape will generallyhave a downward facing portion and an upward facing portion that areeither substantially parallel (+/−15 degrees), or form an angle between15 and less than 90 degrees. Exemplary umbrelloid shapes are depicted inFIGS. 3A to 3D. Suitable umbrelloid shapes therefore especially includea T-shape, a stemmed inverted U-shape, and a stemmed inverted V-shape.

With respect to the carrier, it is contemplated that the carrier may befabricated from numerous materials, including natural and syntheticmaterials, wood, glass, metals and metal alloys, and all reasonablecombination thereof. However, especially preferred materials includethose that provide sufficient flexibility to the carrier to allow thecarrier to conform to uneven surfaces. Most preferably, the carrier issoft enough to be manually deformed. It is also noted that where thecarrier is especially pliable, a desired form may be retained byinclusion of a more resilient element within or coupled to the carrier.For example, contemplated carriers may include a metal wire or otherdeformable element that assists the carrier to maintain a desiredconfiguration. Furthermore, it is generally preferred that the carriermaterial is non-conductive and that the conductive traces are coupled tothe carrier in a relatively simple manner (e.g., via gluing, sewing,stapling, etc.). However, in alternative aspects, the carrier may alsobe made from, or include a conductive material. In such devices, it isthen contemplated that only one conductive trace may be needed, and thatsuch trace is typically coupled to the carrier via an insulator.

It is still further preferred that the carrier is generally flat (i.e.,has a width and length that is larger than the height) and configured asa stripe or has an otherwise elongated structure, wherein the particularwidth and height are in most circumstances determined by the size ofbird or other animal that is to be deterred. Thus, and most commonly,the carrier will be configured such that entire device has a height towidth ratio between 1:5 and 1:2, and more typically between 1:4 and 1:3.For example, suitable carriers may have a width between 1 cm and 10 cm,more typically between 2 cm and 7 cm, and most typically between 3 cmand 5 cm. The length of such devices is generally determined by thedesired overall length of the device or device segment and may thereforevary between several cm and several meters and even longer. The heightof contemplated devices will generally be between 1 mm and 3 cm, andmore typically between 3 mm and 1 cm. Further contemplated carriers mayinclude one or more cutouts having a size that allows side-to-sideflexing of the carrier. For example, such cutouts may be formed to allowpositioning the carrier in a 90 degree angle with a radius of less than20 cm, more preferably less than 15 cm, and most preferably less than 10cm.

First and second conductive traces are typically spaced apart at adistance that allows formation of an electric circuit when a foot of abird (e.g., an adult pigeon, an adult seagull) rests on the device.Therefore, and depending on the particular bird, suitable distancesbetween first and second traces will be between 5 mm and 2 cm, and moretypically between 7 mm and 1.5 cm. In still further preferred aspects,the first and second conductive traces are parallel to the arcsuppressor, and/or at least one of the first and second conductivetraces are continuous along substantially (+/−5%) the entire length ofthe carrier. Where desirable, at one part of the carrier is angled to adegree such that when the device is installed on a horizontal surfacewater runs off the angled part. Depending on the particularconfiguration, the angled part may include the portion to which thetrace is coupled, and/or a portion between conductive trace and the arcsuppressor or the outer edge of the carrier.

With respect to the arc suppressor, it is generally preferred that thearc suppressor has an umbrelloid shape and is continuous along thelength of the carrier. While there are numerous alternativeconfigurations are contemplated for the arc suppressor, it is generallypreferred that the arc suppressor increases the creep distance at least1.5 times, more typically at least 1.7 times, even more typically atleast 2.0 times, and most typically at least 2.2 time. In especiallypreferred aspects, the arc suppressor has an umbrelloid shape and aheight to width ratio between 1: and 1:1, and more typically between 1:6and 1:1. For example, contemplated arc suppressors generally includestemmed structures in which a first generally vertical element carries ahorizontal or curved element to form a T-shape, a stemmed invertedV-shape, a stemmed inverted U-shape, or an otherwise stemmed structurethat has at least one generally horizontally extending protrusion.Depending on the particular shape, it should be appreciated that avertical gap will be formed between at least part of the arc suppressorand the portion of the carrier to which the traces are coupled, and thatsuch gap will assist in breaking a layer of conductive material thatextends across the device.

Further alternative arc suppressors will resemble in shape insulatorchains as known from high voltage power lines. While not limiting to theinventive subject matter, it is generally preferred that the arcsuppressor is continuous along substantially the entire length (+/−5%)of the carrier. To further facilitate run-off of moisture, condensation,mist, or other fluids, it is generally preferred that at least part ofthe arc suppressor may be angled, wherein the angle is selected suchthat when the device is installed on a horizontal surface water runs offthe angled part. Therefore, particularly preferred devices will have astripe-shaped carrier having a first conductive trace that is separatedfrom a second conductive trace by an umbrelloid arc suppressor, whereinthe device has a height to width ratio between 1:5 and 1:2.

Thus, specific embodiments and applications of electrified animalrepellent tracks have been disclosed. It should be apparent, however, tothose skilled in the art that many more modifications besides thosealready described are possible without departing from the inventiveconcepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to berestricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, ininterpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should beinterpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context.In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should beinterpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in anon-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements,components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with otherelements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced.Furthermore, where a definition or use of a term in a reference, whichis incorporated by reference herein is inconsistent or contrary to thedefinition of that term provided herein, the definition of that termprovided herein applies and the definition of that term in the referencedoes not apply.

1. An animal deterring device comprising a carrier having a firstconductive trace that is separated from a second conductive trace by anarc suppressor that has at least one of (a) an umbrelloid shape, and (b)a configuration effective to increase creep distance between the firstand second conductive traces by at least 1.5 times.
 2. The device ofclaim 1 wherein the arc suppressor has an umbrelloid shape.
 3. Thedevice of claim 1 wherein the umbrelloid shape is selected form thegroup consisting of a T-shape, a stemmed inverted U-shape, and a stemmedinverted V-shape.
 4. The device of claim 1 wherein the umbrelloid shapeis continuous along the length of the carrier.
 5. The device of claim 1wherein the arc suppressor increases creep distance at least 1.7 times.6. The device of claim 1 wherein the arc suppressor increases creepdistance at least 2.0 times.
 7. The device of claim 1 wherein the arcsuppressor has a height to width ratio between 1:4 and 1:1.
 8. Thedevice of claim 1 wherein the carrier is configured as a stripe, andwherein the first and second conductive traces are parallel to the arcsuppressor.
 9. The device of claim 1 wherein the arc suppressor iscontinuous along the length of the carrier.
 10. The device of claim 1wherein at least one of the first and second conductive traces arecontinuous along the length of the carrier.
 11. The device of claim 1wherein at least part of the carrier is angled, and wherein the angle isselected such that when the device is installed on a horizontal surfacewater runs off the angled part.
 12. The device of claim 1 wherein atleast part of the arc suppressor is angled, and wherein the angle isselected such that when the device is installed on a horizontal surfacewater runs off the angled part.
 13. The device of claim 1 having aheight to width ratio between 1:5 and 1:2.
 14. The device of claim 1wherein the first and second conductive traces are spaced apart at adistance that allows formation of an electric circuit via a foot of abird.
 15. The device of claim 14 wherein the bird has a size of at leastan adult pigeon.
 16. The device of claim 14 wherein the bird has a sizeof at least an adult seagull.
 17. An animal deterring device comprisinga stripe-shaped carrier having a first conductive trace that isseparated from a second conductive trace by an umbrelloid arcsuppressor, and wherein the device has a height to width ratio between1:5 and 1:2.
 18. The device of claim 17 wherein the carrier isfabricated from a flexible material.
 19. The device of claim 17 whereinthe carrier has a cutout that is configured to allow bending of thedevice.
 20. The device of claim 17 wherein the umbrelloid arc suppressorhas a shape selected form the group consisting of a T-shape, a stemmedinverted U-shape, and a stemmed inverted V-shape.